Mike Ratcliffe Appraisals and Estate Sales

1258 South 105 East Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74128
918-230-8310

Very few appraisers have the background, knowledge, and qualifications to handle everything from Victorian furniture and glass to depression glass, to bronze statues and other western art to crystal to silver to … well, you get the idea.

The following is to serve as curriculum vitae for James Michael Ratcliffe, doing business as Mike Ratcliffe Appraisals and Estate Sales in Tulsa. We serve clients throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri and can help you get top-dollar sales because we don’t just sell locally. Buyers throughout the world have bought items brokered through our eBay store.

Education

Core Course in Appraisal Studies, International Society of Appraisers. (This course includes the Uniform Standards and Principles of Appraisal Practice, which meets Federal guidelines) completed July 2006

Teaching and Appraisal Fairs

I am a popular appraiser at appraisal fairs in the Tulsa area and surrounding cities for charitable organizations FREE OF CHARGE. I am currently serving as the chairperson of the advisory board for the North Tulsa Arts Project Initiative (NTAPI). Through Oklahoma State University OLLI, I teach a six-week informational course on antiques, using my own curriculum. This course has been offered in Tulsa, Stillwater, and Bartlesville. In the Summer 2013, I will be offering a 3-week course in Tulsa on the “Current Hot Items with Collectors”. I am recognized as an excellent speaker with experience in a broad spectrum of antiques and collectibles. Due to my extensive background in furniture repair and refinishing, I am uniquely qualified to inspect and authenticate fine furniture inclusive of the wood and construction techniques used in its construction.

Experience

Co-owner Ratcliffe’s Antiques, a furniture refinishing and antiques firm 1975 – 2000
Mike Ratcliffe Estate Sales 1991 – Present
Ratcliffe’s was a custom firm doing business in a four state region selling antiques and collectibles. My estate sales business has included the appraisal and liquidation of many collections. A list of highlights appears below.

Appraisals

The following is a list sampling of appraisals and categories of items appraised.
Sommers, 2003; Vintage toys and collectibles for divorce action
Henry, 2005; Western Art and Asian collectibles for probate
Schlafke, 2006; Railroad memorabilia for museum donation to Harber Village
McDaniels, 2007; Asian art, artifacts and military paintings for insurance
Johnson, 2007; significant collection of sterling flatware, sterling serving pieces and dolls for equitable distribution
Withers, 2000; Outstanding collection of American Victorian furniture, glass, and art, including many rarities
Brierly, 2007; American Colonial furniture and Waterford crystal
Turnbull, 2006; American Colonial furniture, Colonial silver, and Modern Art
Van Ness-Allen, 2010; English Georgian furniture, American 19th Century Art, and silver
Fenster, April 2013; WPA art including works by Treva Wheete and Grant Wood

Scope of Work

I have restored everything from a Belter chair to a Chinese marble inlaid sofa.
I have sold Western art including works by Tiger, Mopope, and Momaday.
My appraisal experience covers a diverse variety, including an 1820 coin silver spoon, a Belter cabinet, and a painting of General Artis Van der Griff, leader of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Do you need to downsize or liquidate your estate or the estate of a loved one? Contact us for more information!